Given that this is an unprecedented situation and the uncertainty of COVID-19, more information is needed to answer all the questions that parents, staff, and community have in relation to this shutdown of school. What I do know, listening to all the experts, is that social distancing is the most effective method to avoid the spread. I think this is important as school is not in session to know the recommendations and isolate as much as possible.

This morning we have worked on developing a plan to get food out to students. Starting this Wednesday and continuing through the shutdown, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we will be offering meals on the loading dock of our Schuler building (in the back of the building) from 9-11 AM. Individuals will be handed meals through their car windows, so no one will need to get out of the car. Next week, which is our regular spring break, backpack meals will also be available at the aforementioned times.

We ask all parents whose child has medicine at the school to pick it up at Washington Elementary before noon on March 17. Please call ahead to Washington, phone: 712-243-5234, and Mrs. Freund, Atlantic CSD Health Director, will bring the medicine out to you.

We are asking all our staff who need something from the building to pick it up prior to noon, March 17 at which time access to the building will be limited to essential staff.

Again, a lot of information is still not available to us and the current situation can change quickly. My plan through this process is to continue to communicate to all stakeholders as information becomes available. This will ensure that everyone is in the know of what plans are created and how the decisions affect all involved.

For me, the safety of all is and will continue to be the priority. Please check your email regularly as we will share electronic information as things develop.

Sincerely,

Steven H. Barber
Atlantic Community School Superintendent